Smashing Pubs in Littleborough
The Rake
The Pub: One of Littleborough's oldest buildings, parts of the Rake date back to the 16th century.
The Beer: Strictly speaking, the Rake isn't a pub, but a Mediterranean tapas restaurant. However, chef and owner Mark Wickham started brewing his own beer on the premises to complement the flavours of his cooking, so Hay Rake beer is now all part of the Rake experience.
What else we like here: There are quite a few anecdotes involving ghosts, but if you're not too spooked to stay over, the Rake offers stunning accommodation.
Before and after: Hollingworth Lake is just a mile or so down the road - the Visitor Centre has information about activities, or you could walk around the lake. Alternatively, you could visit the excellent George Kelsall Booksellers in the centre of Littleborough. The Coach House has lots of local information.
More info: The Rake, Blackstone Edge Old Road, Littleborough, OL15 0JX; 01706 379689 www.raketapas.co.uk
The Pub: One of Littleborough's oldest buildings, parts of the Rake date back to the 16th century.
The Beer: Strictly speaking, the Rake isn't a pub, but a Mediterranean tapas restaurant. However, chef and owner Mark Wickham started brewing his own beer on the premises to complement the flavours of his cooking, so Hay Rake beer is now all part of the Rake experience.
What else we like here: There are quite a few anecdotes involving ghosts, but if you're not too spooked to stay over, the Rake offers stunning accommodation.
Before and after: Hollingworth Lake is just a mile or so down the road - the Visitor Centre has information about activities, or you could walk around the lake. Alternatively, you could visit the excellent George Kelsall Booksellers in the centre of Littleborough. The Coach House has lots of local information.
More info: The Rake, Blackstone Edge Old Road, Littleborough, OL15 0JX; 01706 379689 www.raketapas.co.uk
A warm welcome at the White House.
The White House
The Pub: The White House is run by Natalie and Pete Marney and has been in their family for over 25 years. Formerly known as The Coach and Horses it's the place where 'the young bloods of Littleborough having guarded the mail coach from highwaymen would seek recompense for their labours with vigorous application to strong liquors,' . It dates from 1671 and stands at 1300ft above sea level.
The Beer: Theakstons is always available, but as the White House is a freehouse, the landlords are able to support smaller local breweries including Empire, Little Valley, Bridestones and the nearby Hay Rake.
And what else we like here: Walkers are welcome (if muddy boots are removed!) and real fires make it a cosy refuge after a blow on the moors. The White House is very popular with diners and offers great views across Rochdale to Manchester - a perfect vantage point for fireworks on New Year's Eve!
Before and after: The Pennine Way passes very close by and the White House is a good starting point for walks exploring the many nearby reservoirs. Our Walk Cycle Ride website has many possible routes listed. Alternatively, you could visit one of the six Stanza Stones - a series of rocks carved with specially commissioned poems. The Rain stone is a short walk from The White House. More information about the Stanza Stones can be found at www.ilkleyliteraturefestival.org.uk.
More info: The White House, Blackstone Edge, Littleborough, OL15 0LG; 01706 378456
www.thewhitehousepub.co.uk
The Pub: The White House is run by Natalie and Pete Marney and has been in their family for over 25 years. Formerly known as The Coach and Horses it's the place where 'the young bloods of Littleborough having guarded the mail coach from highwaymen would seek recompense for their labours with vigorous application to strong liquors,' . It dates from 1671 and stands at 1300ft above sea level.
The Beer: Theakstons is always available, but as the White House is a freehouse, the landlords are able to support smaller local breweries including Empire, Little Valley, Bridestones and the nearby Hay Rake.
And what else we like here: Walkers are welcome (if muddy boots are removed!) and real fires make it a cosy refuge after a blow on the moors. The White House is very popular with diners and offers great views across Rochdale to Manchester - a perfect vantage point for fireworks on New Year's Eve!
Before and after: The Pennine Way passes very close by and the White House is a good starting point for walks exploring the many nearby reservoirs. Our Walk Cycle Ride website has many possible routes listed. Alternatively, you could visit one of the six Stanza Stones - a series of rocks carved with specially commissioned poems. The Rain stone is a short walk from The White House. More information about the Stanza Stones can be found at www.ilkleyliteraturefestival.org.uk.
More info: The White House, Blackstone Edge, Littleborough, OL15 0LG; 01706 378456
www.thewhitehousepub.co.uk
The Stanza Stone at Blackstone Edge: 'Rain' by Simon Armitage
